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Swansea City v Arsenal match report

Swansea City narrowly failed to dent Arsenal's push for a Champions League spot, going down 2-0 in a hard-fought Liberty Stadium clash on what proved to be a bitterly cold afternoon.

The first half was arguably the most dynamic and entertaining to watch with the Swans just getting the edge. In the opening period Nathan Dyer went close and Michu was denied a twentieth goal of the campaign by Gunners' keeper Fabianski.

There was again little to choose between the teams after the break as Jonathan de Guzman's free-kick grazed the visitors' side netting. The Gunners, though, took a grip later on.

First Spanish defender Nacho Mondrial's scuffed shot squeezed home on 76 minutes. Then with Swansea committed to attack, Gervinho broke clear late on and the Ivorian's first premier league goal since September ensured the 3 points headed Arsenals way.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger said it was the sort of game that whoever scored the first goal was likely to win .

Given the fact that Arsenal had played mid week against Bayern Munich in Munich, Wenger was delighted with his team's performance.

And for the Swans, it meant only the third home reverse of the campaign.